Proverbs 12

1 Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid.

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is stupid.

2 A good man shall obtain favor from Yahweh, but he will condemn a man of wicked plans.

The good man obtains favor from the LORD, but the LORD condemns a man who devises evil.

3 A man shall not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

A man cannot be established through wickedness, but the righteous cannot be uprooted.

4 A worthy woman is the crown of her husband, but a disgraceful wife is as rottenness in his bones.

A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but she who causes shame is like decay in his bones.

5 The thoughts of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.

The plans of the righteous are just, but the counsel of the wicked leads to deceit.

6 The words of the wicked are about lying in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.

The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.

7 The wicked are overthrown, and are no more, but the house of the righteous shall stand.

The wicked are overthrown and perish, but the house of the righteous will stand.

8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom, but he who has a warped mind shall be despised.

A man is praised according to his wisdom, but a twisted mind is despised.

9 Better is he who is little known, and has a servant, than he who honors himself and lacks bread.

Better to be lightly esteemed yet have a servant, than to be self-important but lack food.

10 A righteous man respects the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

A righteous man regards the life of his animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are only cruelty.

11 He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread, but he who chases fantasies is void of understanding.

The one who works his land will have plenty of food, but whoever chases fantasies lacks judgment.

12 The wicked desires the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes.

The wicked desire the plunder of evil men, but the root of the righteous flourishes.

13 An evil man is trapped by sinfulness of lips, but the righteous shall come out of trouble.

An evil man is trapped by his rebellious speech, but a righteous man escapes from trouble.

14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth. The work of a man’s hands shall be rewarded to him.

By fruitful speech a man is filled with good things, and the work of his hands returns to him.

15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who is wise listens to counsel.

The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.

16 A fool shows his annoyance the same day, but one who overlooks an insult is prudent.

A fool’s anger is known at once, but a prudent man overlooks an insult.

17 He who is truthful testifies honestly, but a false witness lies.

He who speaks the truth declares what is right, but a false witness speaks deceit.

18 There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise heals.

Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

19 Truth’s lips will be established forever, but a lying tongue is only momentary.

Truthful lips endure forever, but a lying tongue lasts only a moment.

20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, but joy comes to the promoters of peace.

Deceit is in the hearts of those who devise evil, but the counselors of peace have joy.

21 No mischief shall happen to the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil.

No harm befalls the righteous, but the wicked are filled with trouble.

22 Lying lips are an abomination to Yahweh, but those who do the truth are his delight.

Lying lips are detestable to the LORD, but those who deal faithfully are His delight.

23 A prudent man keeps his knowledge, but the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness.

A shrewd man keeps his knowledge to himself, but a foolish heart proclaims its folly.

24 The hands of the diligent ones shall rule, but laziness ends in slave labor.

The hand of the diligent will rule, but laziness ends in forced labor.

25 Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a kind word makes it glad.

Anxiety weighs down the heart of a man, but a good word cheers it up.

26 A righteous person is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

A righteous man is cautious in friendship, but the ways of the wicked lead them astray.

27 The slothful man doesn’t roast his game, but the possessions of diligent men are prized.

A lazy man does not roast his game, but a diligent man prizes his possession.

28 In the way of righteousness is life; in its path there is no death.

There is life in the path of righteousness, but another path leads to death.